Fresh out of high school graduation, it’s tempting to spend all the graduation money from family and friends, but that probably isn’t smart.

There are several options for student banking at or near Wichita State.

First of all, there is Commerce Bank, conveniently located in the Rhatigan Student Center.

Carla Jones, WSU employee, warns students that no matter what they do with their money, they should pay attention.

“Students don’t need help going into debt,” Jones said. “Thirty dollars doesn’t seem like a lot for overdraft fees, but what many students do not realize is that they are going to have to pay that back.”

There are many other student-banking options in Wichita.

Fidelity Bank offers free checking and mobile banking where students can check their accounts for free.

“Help yourself by paying yourself first,” Jones said. “If you have a job on campus, don’t give your money to the bank in fees, and make sure you double check any fees included with your account.”

Some checking accounts have minimum balances each month, and Jones challenges students to think twice before overspending.

“Two dollars in fees a month is a lot,” Jones said. “That comes out to $24 a year. That is three hours of work. That is too much. Don’t get caught in fees. If you have money, pay yourself and save it in your bank account.”

Jones tells students to make a budget and have accountability to someone with their finances.

Graduate student Furqan Syed is not working and cautioned students to think about their finances.

“Every penny counts,” Syed said. “I don’t have money coming in, because I’m focusing on school. I don’t know when I would be able to pay back fees, so I do not do it.”